365 Ways to Know God by Elmer Towns June 30

365 Ways to Know God by Elmer Towns

(Devotional Readings on the Names of God)

June 30

JESUS: HE WHO HAS THE BRIDE

He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who

stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice.

JOHN 3:29

The Bride is the Church, born-again believers, those who have been saved. Jesus is the Bridegroom; it is He Who Has the Bride. In our society, the man usually courts the woman, just as Jesus is the One who seeks the lost. In our society, the man usually asks the marriage question, just as Jesus calls us to salvation. In our society, the man usually pays the price for the engagement ring, just as Jesus is the One who paid the ultimate price for our redemption. The man usually takes the initiative, "just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25). Because Jesus has done everything, it is He Who Has the Bride.

Jesus, when I hang on to You, it's good to know that You are

hanging on to me. I know I belong to You.

Because the groom takes the initiative, the bride usually says yes. Have you said yes to Jesus? Because the groom first loves the bride, she usually follows his leadership. Have you followed Jesus? Because the groom protects his bride and seeks her welfare, the bride will go live with him. Have you let the Lord Jesus care and protect you? "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body" (Ephesians 5:29-30).

Jesus, I look to You for all my needs. I will obey You, love

You and live for You. Amen.

Reading: Ephesians 5:22-33

Key Thought: Jesus is the Bridegroom who looks out for us, as well as for our needs.